The Upvc Door Handle Replacement Case Study You'll Never Forget
Choosing the Right UPVC Door Handle Replacement
It's simple to replace your handles made of upvc however, choosing the correct handle can be difficult. Most modern double glazed handles have spring cassettes built into them, however older models don't have.
If the handle made of upvc on your multipoint lock is loose and floppy, there could be an internal issue. This article will cover the various possible issues and their causes.
Handles that are drooping or sagging
uPVC handles can sustain wear and tear, especially in older properties. A broken spring cassette inside the door lever is the most typical reason for a floppy handle. This is due to excessive force and the square spindle holding the cassette can be dislocated or rounded.
It is a good thing to be aware that a uPVC handle replacement can be accomplished in just a few minutes. The first step is to remove the handle unit that was previously used. To remove it, loosen the fixing screws that are visible on the backside of the lever. Once the handles are removed you can then remove the cassette from the square spindle, and replace it with a new one.
You can find a vast selection of uPVC door handles to select from on the internet and a lot of them come in different finishes. The finish you select will determine the life span of your handle and how easy it will be to clean. Finishes like Resista Stainless Steel, or PVD are designed to resist corrosion and last up to 25 years.
Once you have selected a colour or style you can then choose the type of handle you require. The most popular are the lever and pad configurations. Lever pads are often used to prevent unauthorised access. They feature a lever inside and a paddle on the outside.
Then, you should measure and record the dimensions of the handle you have. You will need to know the PZ dimension (the distance from the screw hole to the center of the lever), the length of the handle and the size of the keyhole. Once you have the measurements you can then compare these to the handle sizes matrix to determine the right replacement.
Broken springs
Over time, handles made of uPVC can become loose or wobbly. The spring cassette might also break. The springs are used to ensure that the lever is in a horizontal position. Without them, your doors will not lock properly.
Modern uPVC handles are made with these cassettes integrated directly into the backplate. However older uPVC doors often contain these springs within the lock mechanism. It's not something you can repair by yourself, but it's definitely worth having your locksmith take a look as this could be the cause of the sliding uPVC handles.
The most frequent issue associated with uPVC handles is that they loosen as time passes. This is usually caused by worn-out springs that are easy to repair. The reason for this is usually excessive handling of the handle. The square spindle inside the handle wears down, which causes the springs to move.
To solve this issue, you'll need open the door to the handle plate and then remove all the screws. This can be done using the Philips screwdriver and once the screws are removed the handle can be removed and the handle plates pulled apart carefully. You can then remove the old springs and replace them with new springs.
Depending on the kind of handle you have the distance between the two screws can differ, and this is important to know when buying the replacement. This measurement is known as the PZ and it is essential to use a calibrated measuring tape to ensure an accurate reading.
After replacing the springs you should be able operate the handle with no issues. However, it's always worth lubricating the internal mechanism to make sure that everything works exactly as it should. This will ensure that your uPVC door is as safe as it is, and make them more comfortable over time.
Handles that slide around
Handles that slide around can be caused by a number of reasons, but one of the most common causes is when the levers on the handle aren't aligned properly with the lock. This is a problem that can occur on uPVC doors as well as composite doors. However, it's more evident on older doors because they are made of cheaper materials that do not hold up to the elements.
This problem can be solved by a professional who will re-align the handles and make sure they're in line with the door lock. They'll also examine the lock to determine if anything needs to be fixed. In many cases, a minor adjustment to the handle springs will solve this problem.
Switching your uPVC door handle is easy enough, but it's important to measure the measurements of the existing handles to make sure you have the correct size replacement. You'll need to measure the distance between the two fixing screws and the size of the lever and key hole position. Then, make use of this uPVC handles size guide to locate a replacement for your home.
After you have made the measurements, remove the current uPVC handle. This is usually fairly straightforward and requires just a screwdriver get to the screws on the interior of the door. After the screws are removed, you can then unscrew the handle itself and then move onto installing the new handle.
Before starting the work, you should ensure that the door is secured open using a wedge to stop it from closing in the middle of your work. After you have removed the handle you'll be able to get to the inside of the door to correct the issues that are causing it to slip.
If you don't have the patience or energy to tackle this task yourself, an expert handyman from Fantastic Services can help. They will use sophisticated lock picking techniques to unlock the doors without causing damage. Then they will replace the damaged handle and make sure everything works exactly as it should.
Gearbox damage
A damaged gearbox may cause the upvc handle to become stiff and lose function. This can also prevent the lock from being able to be opened using the use of a key. This could be extremely dangerous and should be dealt with promptly. It is essential to contact a locksmith if you are unable to resolve the problem yourself. They have the tools and know-how to do the job right.
The first step is to remove the handle from its cover plate. This can be done using the help of a screwdriver with an angled tip. Once you have removed the handle, you will be able to remove the middle screw that holds the barrel in the position. After repairmywindowsanddoors have removed the middle screw you will be able to loosen the two screws which secure the barrel. You can then remove the barrel away from the door. To do this, you will require someone to prop the door wide.
Once you have removed the cylinder from the handle you can replace it with a new one. It is important to ensure that the new cylinder is the same size as the old one. You could end up with an improperly aligned handle. This can lead to a myriad of issues, including leaks and drafts.
A lot of door handles made of upvc have slots for adjustment. These slots can be used to tighten and loosen the handle. These slots are usually located on the inside of the doors, close to the point where the handle meets with the cylinder. The adjustment slots can be tightened using an allen wrench. Once you've made the necessary adjustments, you can screw the handle into and then put it back into place. Then, you can test the handle and ensure it functions as intended.
If the door handle made of upvc becomes floppy or loose when closed, it is typically an indication that the upvc gearbox has broken down or internal spring components are in the process of breaking down. This can cause your upvc multipoint locks to fail and leave your door open to intrusion. If this occurs, it will be necessary to replace the upvc gearbox. This will cost between PS145 between PS145 and PS280 inclusive of labour.